Since 2000, the internationally renowned US-based color institute Pantone has annually selected a color that reflects the spirit of the times. What began as an educational initiative for the design community has evolved into a global trend barometer. The inaugural color was "Cerulean Blue," an optimistic shade of blue marking the start of the new millennium.
In the following years, the color spectrum ranged from powerful pink and red tones to calming blue and green tones, and earthy shades such as grey, brown, or most recently the warm "Mocha Mousse".

For the year 2026, Pantone is now taking a bold step:
For the first time, a shade of white has been chosen as the color of the year. Its name: Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201).

White has always been a classic in fashion, architecture, and interior design. But Cloud Dancer lends this familiar hue a new emotional depth. On the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, the shade appears in flowing silhouettes, transparent fabrics, and minimalist looks—modern, serene, and timeless all at once.

Pantone explicitly encourages brands to tell not just their color, but also their story. Cloud Dancer is intended to serve as a creative tool: for product designs, store concepts, visual identities, or brand experiences. As a blank canvas, it opens up new narrative possibilities and invites individual interpretation.